National Children's Cancer Society

This month's charity highlight is a wonderful organization that is really there for families going through pediatric cancer.  They help out in whatever way they can--be it financially, emotionally, or mentally.  Not only can families in need apply for assistance (for medical supplies, treatments, gas money to and from doctor's visits, etc), but if you know someone who is going through pediatric cancer and who needs assistance, you can refer them!

They also provide things like social workers, in-person support groups, tutoring help, after treatment education, and online forums.



WHO WE ARE: The National Children's Cancer Society

WHAT WE DO: (taken from their website) The mission of The National Children's Cancer Society is to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families worldwide.
We serve as a financial, emotional and educational resource for those in need at every stage of illness and recovery. In the United States, we ease the financial burdens that accompany major illness, give crucial support and address the challenges of survivorship. Abroad, we provide lifesaving pharmaceutical drugs and medical supplies to facilities that treat children with cancer.

HOW TO APPLY (or refer a family): Click here to apply!

HOW TO HELP: Clicke here to donate!

More Life Lessons with Teacher Katie

       Judge me all you want, but keep the verdict to yourself!  This quote made me laugh, maybe because I've  come across a handful of people who look at my life and don't like what they see.  They don't take my circumstances into consideration, perhaps because it's too painful for them to consider, or perhaps because they just don't care.

Some people have hinted that it's been long enough since Emma's diagnosis, I should be used to it by now.  Like just because it's been two whole years of hell on earth we should be okay with it.  Over it.  Moved on.

They don't understand that I can't make commitments because I literally don't know from day to day if we will be in isolation, the hospital, or having a really bad chemo day.  They don't understand why I insist on keeping a close eye on my kids even while I'm doing something else (this one is particularly mind blowing to me, but I have had others express annoyance with my child-care habits in the near past).  They act as if I should be able to put "cancer" aside and do something else with my brain.

So the life lesson?  Who cares what others think!  Put other people's opinions out of your mind and go on with what you know needs done.  You don't have to tell them off (that's not to say you have to take their mouth).  You don't have to explain to them.  You don't owe them ANYTHING. 

And this is the lesson I am trying to learn :)

A Poem

YOU ARE MY EVERYTHING

For Emma

When you were born, I wanted nothing more than to hold you.

I cradled you, rocked you, fed you.  You were my everything.

When you were one, I taught you about the world.

We learned words and colors and shapes and games.  You were my everything.

When you were two, I showed you off proudly.

You sang boldly and quoted Luke chapter 2 to anyone who would listen.  You were my everything.

When you were three, you were my best friend.

We played together, read together, laughed together.  You were my everything.

When you were four, I cried for you.

In pain.  In trials.  In hardships.  You had seen more in your fourth year than I had in my whole life.  You were my hero.  And my everything.

Now you are five.  I smile for you.

You’ve grown.  Persevered.  Learned.  Fulfilled dreams. You are my everything.

Us vs. Them

It's really easy to categorize ourselves with the group we WISH we were in.  For instance, a few months ago I got together a care package to take to a family who's son had relapsed with cancer.  I said to one parent, "I can't imagine what they're going through."

Later I thought how funny that statement was.  Of course I could imagine it.  My daughter has cancer, too!  It was just so much nicer in my own brain to pretend I was with "them" instead of "us", the group I'm actually a part of.  It's painful to realize the group I'm in.

It hit home this week when the above mentioned child passed away.  I cried and cried and cried, because it was all too clear which group I am in.  My group is lonely.  My group is scary.  I don't want to be with "us".  I want to be with "them".

Rest in peace Logan.  You have touched many lives, and I won't ever forget you.